Reducing Wood Smoke Pollution
Wood smoke contains over 100 pollutants -- these pollutants not only negatively impact the environment but are also linked to a wide range of health 
problems. According to Environment Canada, residential wood combustion is a major contributor to winter smog.
However, by choosing a wood stove that has been certified for low emissions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), you can significantly reduce the wood smoke emissions you produce.
Another way to reduce the amount of pollutants coming from your wood heating appliance is to only burn properly prepared and seasoned firewood. Here are some important tips to consider:
Wood Condition & Seasoning
Firewood needs to be dry. Obtain your firewood in early spring and allow it to dry over the summer months. Stack it outside, covered and off the ground with room for air to circulate freely between the pieces. Dry firewood has checks or cracks in the ends of the logs. It is darker at the ends and weighs less than freshly cut wood. Firewood should not look nor feel rotten.
Signs that your firewood is not dry enough:
- The wood is hard to ignite.
- The wood hisses and sizzles in the firebox.
- The fire produces more smoke than heat.
Log Size
Use small, finely split pieces of firewood. Small pieces have more surface exposed to the flame and will burn cleaner. They produce short, hot fires. Larger pieces can be used to maintain extended firing cycles. 
Tree Species
Ideallly, burn a mixture of hardwood and softwood; it maintains the forest's natural diversity. Make sure the wood is harvested from sustainable forests. Hardwood is the preferred firewood since it produces longer lasting burn, but any type of dry wood will burn. Softwood needs to be used in larger quantities but is also the most common wood on Canada's coasts and northern areas.
Tomorrow:
Starting and maintaining your fire for maximum efficiency.
For more about Pender Island real estate, visit Howard Sanders online @ www.HomesOnPender.com
Contact info:
• Email: Howard@HomesOnPender.com
• Cell: (250) 222-HOME (4663)
Best Regards,
Howard on Pender